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Seizures During Sleep

Wed, 02/11/2009 - 22:16

 

Hi, I'm new to this site. I have most of my seizures in my sleep or in the morning after waking up.. my last one being two days ago. It seems that either illicit drugs, alcohol or lack of sleep bring most of my seizures on, and I'm working on getting them under control by giving up these things rather than taking my medication, I find the medication Valpro has some bad side effects.

I think my last seizure  was a big one becauseI have been a scattered mess since then, I've slept for two days straight now and I have yet to leave the house. I can't think straight so if this doesn't make any sense I hope u understand why. My whole body is aching and my memory is slowly returning.

Anyways I'm almost 25 and I was diagnosed about 2 1/2 years ago.. does anybody else experience sleep related seizures?.. I truly believe if I can get enough sleep I will  get my epiliepsy under control.

Thanks for any of your comments.

Comments

Re: Seizures During Sleep

Submitted by arielstariel on Sat, 2009-02-28 - 07:47
Really, I know when my grand mals were not under control they almost all happened while I was asleep. they also really screw with you for days. I cannot say how important it is to get them under control though. I am someone who went without medication for seven years. It is not necessary. These medicines help you life. Also. the less seizures you have, the less likely you are to have them in the future. So, my dear, Depakote, or valproic acid was my nemecis. I hated it so bad. Well, now i am on Lamictal and that is much better. Try something new or whatever because you need to stop having them. I know how it goes. It's hard to figure out and know what to do. but take it from me, I suggest you get on a medicine that works. Ariel

Re: Seizures During Sleep

Submitted by Furtive on Sun, 2009-03-01 - 15:42

Definitely do not cut your meds out all at once. Talk with your doc first. Trust me, I did that back in 2001 and had my 2nd grand mal as a result.

I'd strongly recommend quitting alcohol completely. Tobacco also, if you smoke. I quit both after my second grand mal, but ended up going back to drinking a few years later when I believed I was seizure-free. When my third one hit in 2007, I had been drinking quite a bit. My ex (living with her at the time) had said I would spasm in my sleep. Not severe, but enough to wake her up.

As far as the illicit stuff goes... I don't know of anyone that has had seizures from mj. I have heard from several people that if anything, it has benefits. Anything beyond that is not something I'd experiment with - especially uppers. I even cut out most caffeine - only two cups of coffee in the morning, and occasionally tea. I quit drinking soda years ago.

Good luck, and get well.

Definitely do not cut your meds out all at once. Talk with your doc first. Trust me, I did that back in 2001 and had my 2nd grand mal as a result.

I'd strongly recommend quitting alcohol completely. Tobacco also, if you smoke. I quit both after my second grand mal, but ended up going back to drinking a few years later when I believed I was seizure-free. When my third one hit in 2007, I had been drinking quite a bit. My ex (living with her at the time) had said I would spasm in my sleep. Not severe, but enough to wake her up.

As far as the illicit stuff goes... I don't know of anyone that has had seizures from mj. I have heard from several people that if anything, it has benefits. Anything beyond that is not something I'd experiment with - especially uppers. I even cut out most caffeine - only two cups of coffee in the morning, and occasionally tea. I quit drinking soda years ago.

Good luck, and get well.

Re: Seizures During Sleep

Submitted by Gram3 on Sun, 2009-03-01 - 17:47
Both my husband (68 yrs.) and my oldest grandson(18 yrs.) have E. As they have learned, you need to make choices in your life that help keep you healthy. It's your choice. I'm not going to preach to you because from what you have written you sound like a smart young man and besides I'm sure you know what things you need to change in your life to help safeguard against seizures. My grandson has had sleep seizures. From what his family and doctor can determine it is because of him not taking his medication or skipping them altogether. Probably not intentionally after all he is a teenager and has many distractions. With my husband getting enough sleep was always an issue. So is eating regularly. It is also very important to continue w/your meds. If a particular medication is causing side effects, by all means talk w/your doctor. Maybe you can go on a lower dose or a completely different medication entirely. But, for your own sake as well as others, please don't just indiscriminately quit taking them. Your family and loved ones want you around for a long time so do what you can to keep your seizures under control and you safe. By the way, my husband, after trying three different drugs over the years, has been seizure free for over 15 yrs. God bless.

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